Retention

Although you may not realize it, the most important stage in the process to a beautiful smile is the retention stage. After your braces are removed, you will begin the retention process to maintain the smile you’ve worked so hard for.

Custom fitted retainers help maintain form, keeping your teeth straight after your braces are removed. Approximately 25% of patients must result back to orthodontics from not wearing retainers. Unfortunately, if you don’t wear your retainers as prescribed, your teeth will more than likely go back to their original form. With that being said, we meticulously monitor your retainer wearing for a year after braces removal. Remember to wear your retainer as directed; your smile depends on it!

Removable Retainers

Your retainer will mostly be worn at night, but you may have to also wear them during the daytime. If you must wear them during the day, make sure to remove them during eating and brushing. Let us know if you have any questions on the details of your retainers.

Make sure to remove the retainer by hand, not with your tongue. Removing retainers with your tongue can cause damage to the retainer. Pull the upper retainer with your fingers in the molar area when you’re ready to take it out.

Cleaning your retainer is quite a simple process. Brush your retainer without toothpaste, just water. There are commercial retainer cleansers that you may buy, but they are not necessary.

Make sure to keep your retainers in their case when not being worn. If you accidentally throw them away, simply clean them with antibacterial soap and rinse very well. Whatever you do, do NOT clean with boiling water to disinfect. This will warp your retainer and make them virtually useless. If you aren’t sure if you fully disinfected your retainers, call our office for further cleaning instructions.

Keep your retainers away from your pets, as they are likely to chew on things that smell like you.

Just as you wouldn’t boil your retainers, make sure not to leave them in a hot car or any hot environment. Extreme heat can and will warp your retainers.

Please remember to bring your retainers to every appointment, as they may require adjustment.

Fixed Retainer

A fixed retainer remains in your mouth until your orthodontist decides its job is done, when a removal appointment will be scheduled.

Be careful during brushing; make sure to thoroughly clean the wire and the inside of your lower teeth.

If for some reason the bond becomes loose on your retainer, make sure to call our office immediately to schedule a repair.